A61391:255
The husbandmans calling showing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandmanThe husbandmans calling shewing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandman
The husbandmans calling showing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandman : being the substance of XII sermons preached to a country congregation / by Richard Steele.The husbandmans calling shewing the excellencies, temptations, graces, duties &c. of the Christian husbandman : being the substance of XII sermons preached to a country congregation / by Richard Steele.
London: printed by M.S., 1668
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
And therefore look not at man, whose breath is in his nostrils, for wherein is he to be accounted of: Look not at the stone, but at the hand in which it is: for as the stone cannot stir, unless it be moved by the hand; so no man can stir one jot against you, unless God stir him up. Hence we have so oft that phrase in the old Testament, that God stirred up this and that enemy against his people. Instead of pleasing this or that great man, whom it may be thou canst never please; or if thou dost, yet there's another may do thee a mischief as well as he: Do thou study to please God, who can according to that, Prov. 16.7. make thy Enemies to be at peace with thee. Man (says †Augustine) fear God, and thou mayest smile at the world. Alas, it lies in the breast of any wretch (is he will come and swear against thee) whether thou shalt be worth a groat before night; and what foresight can arm a man against such mishaps! No, no, It is the ⟨p. 109⟩Lord that must be your refuge and portion in the Land of the living. And therefore rely and rest (which you may safely do in the way of your duty) upon his All-ruling Providence.
And therefore look not at man, whose breath is in his nostrils, for wherein is he to be accounted of: Look not at the stone, but at the hand in which it is: for as the stone cannot stir, unless it be moved by the hand; so no man can stir one jot against you, unless God stir him up. Hence we have so oft that phrase in the old Testament, that God stirred up this and that enemy against his people. Instead of pleasing this or that great man, whom it may be thou canst never please; or if thou dost, yet there's another may do thee a mischief as well as he: Do thou study to please God, who can according to that, Prov. 16.7. make thy Enemies to be at peace with thee. Man (sayes †Augustine) fear God, and thou maist smile at the world. Alas, it lyes in the breast of any wretch (is he will come and swear against thee) whether thou shalt be worth a groat before night; and what foresight can arm a man against such mishaps! No, no, It is the